Tottenham will look to regain their early-season form and consistency when they host Leeds at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium on Saturday at 16:00 GMT. Antonio Conte’s side will be hoping to put the defeat at home to Liverpool last Sunday behind them and get back to their winning ways, whereas Leeds will look to extend their current winning streak to three on the bounce.
Key Highlights
Tottenham’s Inconsistency
Two wins and three defeats from the last five league outings for Tottenham mean that they have collected six points and dropped nine in this run. This poor run of form has seen a gap open up between Conte’s side and their North London neighbours Arsenal to eight points. This run has also seen Tottenham drop from third to fourth, as Newcastle has leapfrogged them into third place.
Antonio Conte will point toward a punishing schedule that has seen his side juggle domestic and European duties and an international break in between in the rash towards the World Cup break.
However, Conte will also be looking to get the best out of the squad ahead of the clash with Leeds. The second half against Liverpool displayed fight, determination, and aggression that can win matches; the Italian tactician will insist his side perform at their best to win the three points against Leeds on Saturday.
Leeds’ Revival in Form
Jesse Marsch has seen his side respond brilliantly in the league with back-to-back wins away to Liverpool (1-2) and at home to Bournemouth (4-3). These enthralling wins would have been important for the morale and confidence of the Leeds squad.
The performances also demonstrate faith in the manager of the squad, which will augur well for Leeds for the rest of the season. Up next for Leeds is a tough examination at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday against a wounded team looking to reestablish its top-four credentials.
Marsch will send his team out to play their trademark style characterized by high-energy, high-tempo, hard running, and aggressive pressing. This will be designed to minimize Tottenham’s dominance and help create chances for Leeds in the final third.
Injury Report
Richarlison is likely to miss the match against Leeds on Saturday. The 25-year-old Brazilian centre-forward is sidelined with a calf injury. Tottenham will also be without the services of centre-back Cristian Romero; the 24-year-old is nursing a hamstring injury. Antonio Conte will also be unable to call upon Heung-min Son; the 30-year-old is sidelined with a facial fracture since November 2nd.
Jesse Marsch will be without right-back Stuart Dallas, who is nursing a Femoral Fracture; the 31-year-old has already missed 22 matches for Leeds. Left-back Junior Firpo (knee) and Luis Sinisterra (foot) are also sidelined due to injury and are, therefore, unavailable for selection.
Possible Lineups
Tottenham
H. Lloris; Emerson, E. Dier, C. Lenglet, B. Davies, R. Sessegnon; R. Bentancur, Y. Bissouma, P. Hohbjerg; H. Kane, I. Perisic
Leeds
I. Meslier; R. Nissen, R. Koch, L. Cooper, P. Struijk; T. Adams, M. Roca; J. Harrison, B. Aaronson, C. Summerville; Rodrigo
Prediction
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be expecting a reaction to the Liverpool defeat last time out. Conte and his side will be primed to give an energetic and disciplined performance against a potentially dangerous Leeds side.
Expect Tottenham to be pragmatic in their approach with a compact defensive structure but a dynamic and fast attack. They will attack with pace during transitions.
Leeds will be energetic and will set the tempo of the match with their frenetic pressing and quick passing from the back. They will seek to pass through Spurs to create chances.
Expect Tottenham to win the match and take the three points.
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